1. The ‘Global Digital Resilience Pact’ was a key outcome of which major international summit recently held to address escalating cyber threats and digital sovereignty concerns?
C. UN General Assembly Special Session on Digital Security
D. BRICS+ Digital Cooperation Summit
Correct answer: C Notes: The UN General Assembly Special Session on Digital Security, which concluded on November 5, 2025, saw member states adopt the ‘Global Digital Resilience Pact’. This landmark agreement aims to foster international cooperation in cybersecurity, establish norms for state behavior in cyberspace, and protect critical digital infrastructure from state-sponsored and non-state cyberattacks. It also addresses issues of data governance, digital sovereignty, and capacity building for developing nations to enhance their own digital defenses, marking a significant step towards a more secure global digital environment. India played a pivotal role in drafting key clauses related to responsible state conduct.
2. India’s recent ‘Vision 2047 for Sustainable Urban Development’ initiative primarily focuses on which of the following aspects?
A. Expanding greenfield smart cities exclusively
B. Integrating climate-resilient infrastructure and circular economy principles in existing cities
C. Relocating major industrial hubs to rural areas
D. Developing high-speed rail networks between all tier-2 cities
Correct answer: B Notes: The ‘Vision 2047 for Sustainable Urban Development’ launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs earlier this month, prioritizes the transformation of existing Indian cities rather than solely focusing on new ones. The initiative aims to integrate climate-resilient infrastructure, promote circular economy principles like waste-to-wealth, and enhance green mobility solutions within urban planning. It emphasizes retrofitting, regeneration, and inclusive growth to address challenges posed by rapid urbanization and climate change, ensuring that urban centers become more livable, sustainable, and economically vibrant for future generations, aligned with India’s long-term sustainability goals.
3. Which multinational organization recently approved a significant emergency aid package for countries in the Sahel region facing severe food insecurity exacerbated by climate change and conflict?
A. World Bank
B. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
C. European Union (EU)
D. African Development Bank (AfDB)
Correct answer: A Notes: The World Bank Group recently announced a substantial emergency aid package of approximately $1.5 billion aimed at addressing the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Sahel region. This critical funding is designated for nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which are grappling with a complex mix of deepening food insecurity, displacement due to conflict, and the devastating impacts of climate change, including prolonged droughts. The package focuses on immediate relief, strengthening resilient food systems, and supporting social safety nets to mitigate the crisis and build long-term stability in the vulnerable region.
4. Project ‘Quantum Leap’, unveiled by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is primarily focused on achieving what by the end of this decade?
A. Establishing a permanent human outpost on the Moon
B. Developing a fully indigenous reusable rocket system
C. Launching India’s first crewed mission to Mars
D. Achieving quantum communication capabilities across Indian cities
Correct answer: D Notes: ISRO’s ambitious ‘Project Quantum Leap’, officially launched in late October 2025, aims to establish secure and robust quantum communication capabilities across major Indian cities by 2030. This initiative involves the development and deployment of satellite-based quantum key distribution (QKD) systems and quantum entanglement technologies. The project is crucial for bolstering India’s national security, protecting sensitive data, and paving the way for advanced quantum internet infrastructure. It represents a significant stride in India’s strategic push to become a global leader in quantum technologies, moving beyond conventional communication encryption methods.